Medical Laboratory Science (MLS)

Explanation of Course Numbers

Those in the 2000s to 4000s are upper-division undergraduate courses that can also be taken for graduate credit with permission and additional work

Those in the 6000s and 8000s are for master’s, doctoral, and professional-level students

The 6000s are open to advanced undergraduate students with approval of the instructor and the dean or advising office

MLS 0190. Blood Banking Exam Review. 0 Credits.

Review of professional knowledge in all areas of blood banking.

MLS 1040. Introduction to Histotechnology. 1 Credit.

This consolidated course provides a welcome and orientation to the student and provides a tour of the facilities to include the microtomy area, special stains areas, classrooms, and areas of interest. Topics covered in this course include laboratory and environmental safety, mission and organizational structure, medical materials, and administration, professional standards of ethics, HIPPA, and customer service basics. Restricted to histotechnology military contract students.

MLS 1041. Basic Scientific Information. 2 Credits.

This consolidated course introduces the student to comprehensive medical terminology and its application to pathology. Emphasis is placed on word roots, prefixes, suffixes, spelling and analysis of unfamiliar terms. The importance of basic cellular organization and how those structures and processes contribute to tissue function are also emphasized. Students are introduced to basic chemistry vocabulary and concepts such as molecules and molecular compounds, ions and ionic compounds, chemical reaction types, atomic and molecular weights, the periodic table, and nomenclature, electronic structure of atoms, simple periodic properties of the elements, chemical bonding, acids and bases. The microscopy principles include the Kohler illumination, operation, function and maintenance of a compound light microscope and its components. Restricted to histotechnology military contract students.

MLS 1042. Specimen Processing for Histological Study. 1 Credit.

Theories, knowledge, and skills of tissue specimen processing; techniques and theories of tissue fixation, tissue decalcification, tissue dehydration, tissue clearing, and tissue infiltration, and the basic operation of automated tissue processors. The course provides a comprehensive knowledge of tissue processing in a typical histology laboratory. Restricted to histotechnology military contract students only.

MLS 1043. Routine Technical Procedures. 2 Credits.

Introduction to the knowledge and skills in the histological techniques of tissue embedding, microtomy, and frozen sections; the operation, function, and maintenance of the microtome and cryostat; nuclear and cytoplasmic staining theories and chemistry of routine tissue specimens; techniques for coverslipping microscopic slides, the different types of mounting media used, and the proper techniques for repairing damaged glass slides. Restricted to histotechnology military contract students.

MLS 1044. Special Stains for Histologic Study. 3 Credits.

Concepts of laboratory measurements, nomenclature proper use, and maintenance of glassware used in the precise measurement of liquids and compounds; preparation and use of the six different categories of special stains used in the histology laboratory; identifying certain cellular structures based on the reaction of special stains for carbohydrates and amyloid, connective tissue and muscle, microorganisms and pigments, minerals, and cytoplasmic granules. Restricted to histotechnology military contract students.

Knowledge, skills, terminology, and techniques needed to assist in routine and special postmortem examinations; safety precautions, use of specialized equipment, specimen recovery techniques, and toxicology specimen protocols necessary to perform routine and special autopsies; types of special autopsies, their functions, and support role with the pathologist or medical examiner. Restricted to histotechnology military contract students.

MLS 1047. Cytopreparatory Techniques. 2 Credits.

Basic preparatory techniques of cytological specimens; receiving, fixing, and making cytologic preparations from GYN, NON-GYN, and FNA specimens to include smears, cytospins, thinpreps, and cell; shipment of specimens. Restricted to histotechnology military contract students.

MLS 1048. Immunohistochemistry. 2 Credits.

Fundamentals of immunohistochemistry as applied to the theory and practical techniques in histopathology; how immunology is applied in the development of immunohistochemistry reagents and techniques; clinical significance of diagnostic and prognostic indicators used in immunohistochemistry techniques; the purpose and use of companion diagnostic techniques, such as molecular diagnostics and flow cytometry. Restricted to histotechnology military contract students.

Practical course in the daily routine and work flow of patient specimens; grossing, embedding, frozen sectioning, microtomy and histochemical staining and cytopreparatory techniques; didactic review of all courses in preparation for the national board of certification exam. Students work with experienced technicians and pathologists while understanding their duties and responsibilities as a technician. Conducted under the supervision of the clinical preceptors and assisted by METC instructors. at the San Antonio Medical Center (SAMMC), Centers for Disease Detection (CDD), Restricted to histotechnology military contract students.

The second in a two-course sequence. Introduction to the clinical laboratory; immunology, basic microbiology and infectious disease testing, blood banking and transfusion services, molecular diagnostics, and professionalism in the clinical laboratory. Restricted to Students in SMHS. Prerequisite: MLS 1101.

MLS 2000. Biology for Health Sciences. 3 Credits.

This course covers key concepts in biology with an emphasis on the similarities and differences between organisms and how they interact with their environment and with each other.

MLS 2001. Chemistry for Health Sciences. 3 Credits.

An introduction to basic concepts in general, organic and biological chemistry, including the nature of matter, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, and the chemistry of biomolecules.

MLS 3000. Clinical Laboratory Mathematics. 3 Credits.

Basic mathematical techniques used in the clinical laboratory, including exponential and logarithms, measurement systems, solutions and concentrations, proportionality, graphing, statistics and quality control, and method evaluation; practical applications of data analysis. An equivalent college-level mathematics course or permission of the program director may be substituted for the prerequisite. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program. Prerequisite: HSCI 2117.

Ethical and professional conduct of and dilemmas encountered by medical laboratory professionals. Proctor fee. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program.

MLS 4101. Introduction to Cytotechnology. 2 Credits.

The history and development of cytology; role and ethical practices of the cytotechnologist in the health care system. Basic cell structure and function with detailed microscopic study of normal squamous, endocervical, and endometrial epithelial cells, as well as other non epithelial cells and contaminants. Principles of microscopy, Kohler illumination, use and maintenance of the microscope. Restricted to METC Cytotechnology Program students.

Characteristics of each body site in relation to normal, benign, and malignant cellular changes. Restricted to METC Cytotechnology Program students.

MLS 4106. Urogenital System Cytology. 2 Credits.

MLS 4107. Body Cavity Fluid Cytology. 3 Credits.

Examines the cytopathology of effusions, cerebrospinal fluids and other body fluids and the cytologic changes associated with benign and malignant processes.

MLS 4108. Fine Needle Aspiration. 5 Credits.

Basic principles of cytopathology applied to cellular samples from fine needle aspirations of the head and neck region, breast, lymph nodes, soft tissues, and bone. Restricted to METC Cytotechnology Program students.

MLS 4109. Cytotechnology Clinical Practicum. 18 Credits.

Clinical experience to apply the objectives learned and to develop the critical screening and interpretative skills to function as a cytotechnologist.

MLS 4110. Independent Study in Cytotechnology. 1 Credit.

Critical review and presentation of published research in the field of cytopathology; completion of an independent research project related to cytology. Restricted to METC Cytotechnology Program students.

MLS 4114. Clinical Microbiology. 2 Credits.

Clinical microbiology.

MLS 4115. Parasitology and Mycology. 1 Credit.

Principles and procedures involved in the diagnosis of parasitic and fungal infections; disease causation, specimen collection and handling, laboratory identification, and treatment of medically significant fungi and parasites. Proctor fee.

MLS 4116. Clinical Bacteriology I. 3 Credits.

Principles of clinical microbiology with emphasis on pathogenic characteristics, isolation, and identification of bacteria related to human disease; theoretical approach to the current diagnostic techniques and identification systems used in clinical practice. Proctor fee. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program. Prerequisites: BISC 1111 and BISC 1115.

MLS 4117. Clinical Bacteriology II. 2 Credits.

The etiology of infectious diseases in different body sites with an emphasis on the epidemiology, pathogenic mechanisms, and laboratory identification of suspected etiologic agents; specimen collection and handling, diagnosis and treatment of medically significant bacteria. Proctor fee. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program. Prerequisites: BISC 1111 and BISC 1115.

MLS 4118. Laboratory Operations. 1 Credit.

Basic concepts applicable to all areas of the clinical laboratory, including topics, such as quality assurance, quality control and laboratory safety. Proctor fee.

Study of the chemical and formed elements of urine as well as clinical correlation of findings with disease states; analysis of other body fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid and synovial fluid. Proctor fee.

MLS 4123. Clinical Microbiology I. 3 Credits.

Principles of clinical microbiology with emphasis on pathogenic characteristics, isolation, and identification of bacteria and viruses related to human disease; theoretical approach to the current diagnostic techniques and identification systems used in clinical practice; disease causation, specimen collection and handling, laboratory identification, and treatment of medically significant bacteria and viruses. For prerequisites BISC 1115/BISC 1125 an equivalent biology course and for HSCI 3106 an equivalent general microbiology course may be substituted at the instructor's discretion. Proctor fee. Recommended background: BISC 1115 and BISC 1125; and HSCI 3106.

MLS 4124. Clinical Microbiology II. 2 Credits.

MLS 4128. Hematology I. 2 Credits.

Blood and blood-forming tissues with emphasis on hematologic techniques and cell identification; anemias and non-malignant leukocyte disorders are also presented. Proctor fee.

MLS 4129. Hematology II. 2 Credits.

Some of the more common hematologic disorders with emphasis on the laboratory diagnosis of these disorders; disorders of the hemostasis system. Proctor fee.

MLS 4130. Hematology I. 3 Credits.

Study of the blood and blood-forming tissues with emphasis on hematologic techniques and cell identification; anemias and non-malignant leukocyte disorders. Proctor fee. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program. Prerequisites: BISC 1111 and BISC 1115.

MLS 4131. Hematology II. 3 Credits.

Study of the blood and blood-forming tissues with emphasis on white blood cell disorders; introduction to the hemostatic system and associated coagulation disorders. Proctor fee. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program. Prerequisites: BISC 1111, BISC 1115 and MLS 4130.

Principles of the immune system’s components, functions, interactions with microorganisms, and the clinical applications of immunologic assays to human health and disease.

MLS 4145. Clinical Biochemistry I. 3 Credits.

This course studies the methodologies employed in the chemical analysis of human blood and body fluids. This includes an examination of the fundamentals of measurement and the principles of instrumentation as they relate to the assay of each analyte studied. In addition, the laboratory results are correlated with the clinical significance and pathophysiology which may generate changes in the analyte. Throughout the course, the quality assurance measures required to ensure reliability and validity of the laboratory results are also emphasized. [add to end of description: Proctor fee.

MLS 4146. Clinical Biochemistry II. 3 Credits.

This second course in clinical biochemistry continues the study of the measurement and interpretation of chemical constituents in human blood and body fluids. The laboratory results of each analyte are correlated with the clinical significance and pathophysiology which may generate changes in the analyte. Throughout the course, the quality assurance measures required to ensure reliability and validity of the laboratory results are also emphasized.

MLS 4150. Immunohematology. 3 Credits.

The major blood group systems that affect the practice of transfusion medicine and examines the processing and distribution of blood products supplied by transfusion services. Proctor fee.

MLS 4151. Molecular Diagnostics. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the molecular techniques used to diagnose human disease; technology, theory, and methodology of specific molecular protocols that can be used within a clinical laboratory setting to aid in disease diagnostics including those of genetic, oncogenic, and infections origin. Proctor fee.

Comprehensive review of medical laboratory science, which prepares students to sit for the board of certification examination. Integration of knowledge gained in didactic and practicum courses within the various laboratory disciplines, including hematology, microbiology, chemistry, and immunohematology. Proctor fee.

Supplemental, hands-on clinical experience applying medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in the didactic Immunology and serology course. For students who need to meet additional requirements for state licensure as a medical laboratory professional. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program.

During this practicum course, the student actively engages in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in MLS 4120.

MLS 4166. Coagulation Practicum. 1 Credit.

One-week required rotation for students in the Bachelor of Science in Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), Post-baccalaureate MLS, or Post-baccalaureated in Hematology for MLS certificate programs. Focus on analyses and laboratory testing of human blood specimens.

MLS 4214. Clinical Microbiology I Laboratory. 1 Credit.

Observation of many of the medically important organisms and practical experience in current diagnostic techniques and identification systems used in clinical practice. Principles, procedures, techniques, and data interpretation for the isolation and identification of clinically significant organisms.

MLS 4215. Clinical Parasitology and Mycology Laboratory. 1 Credit.

Practical experience in the identification of medically significant parasites and fungi.

MLS 4216. Clinical Bacteriology Laboratory. 1 Credit.

Hands-on experience in current diagnostic techniques and identification systems used in clinical practice; principles, procedures, techniques and data interpretation for the isolation and identification of clinically significant bacteria. Laboratory fee. Corequisite: MLS 4116. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program. Prerequisites: BISC 1111 and BISC 1115.

Practical experience using patient samples commonly submitted to the microbiology laboratory. Current diagnostic techniques and identification systems used in clinical practice. Principles, procedures, techniques, and data interpretation for the isolation and identification of clinically significant organisms from patient specimens.

MLS 4228. Hematology I Laboratory. 1 Credit.

Diagnostic analyses used to evaluate disease states associated with human blood cells. Emphasis on quality assurance in the hematology laboratory and on the evaluation of stained blood smears and microscopic differentiation of blood cells.

MLS 4229. Hematology II Laboratory. 1 Credit.

Blood and body fluid analyses that are commonly performed in a diagnostic hematology laboratory.

MLS 4230. Hematology Laboratory. 1 Credit.

Diagnostic analyses used to evaluate disease states associated with human blood cells; quality assurance in the hematology lab and on the evaluation of stained blood smears and microscopic differentiation of blood cells. Laboratory fee. Corequisite: MLS 4130. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program. Prerequisites: BISC 1111 and BISC 1115.

MLS 4245. Clinical Biochemistry I Laboratory. 1 Credit.

Introduction to the principles of various diagnostic testing procedures performed in the clinical biochemistry laboratory. The physiological basis, principles and procedures, and clinical significance of biochemical test results, including quality control and reference values.

Performance of routine blood banking procedures, including blood group and Rh typing, antibody screens, antibody identification, cross matching, and elution and absorption techniques. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program.

MLS 4251. Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory. 1 Credit.

An introduction to the theory of and laboratory techniques in molecular biology with an emphasis on molecular and serological techniques, including DNA extraction and quantitation, restriction enzyme digestion, polymerase chain reaction, agarose gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry, and ELISA. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program.

MLS 4255. Clinical Biochemistry II Laboratory. 1 Credit.

The measurement and interpretation of chemical constituents in human blood and body fluids.

MLS 6114. Advanced Clinical Microbiology I. 2 Credits.

Pathogenic characteristics, isolation techniques, specimen collection and handling, laboratory identification, and treatment of medically significant bacteria and viruses with emphasis on current diagnostic techniques used in clinical practice.

MLS 6115. Advanced Clinical Parasitology and Mycology. 1 Credit.

A systematic approach to the biology and epidemiology of human parasitic and fungal diseases. The symptomology, pathology, diagnostic procedures, and treatment of the various parasites and fungi that infect humans. Other topics include disease causation and specimen collection/handling.

Provides a systematic approach to the biology and epidemiology of human parasitic, fungal, and viral diseases. Proctor fee. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program. Prerequisite: BISC 1112.

MLS 6123. Advanced Clinical Microbiology I. 3 Credits.

Pathogenic characteristics, isolation techniques, specimen collection and handling, laboratory identification, and treatment of medically significant bacteria and viruses; current diagnostic techniques used in clinical practice. For prerequisite BISC 1115/BISC 1125 an equivalent biology course and for HSCI 3106 an equivalent general microbiology course may be substituted at the instructor's discretion. Laboratory fee. Prerequisites: BISC 1115 and 1125; and HSCI 3106.

MLS 6124. Advanced Clinical Microbiology II. 2 Credits.

The etiology of infectious diseases in different body sites using a case study approach. The epidemiology, pathogenic mechanisms, and laboratory identification of suspected etiologic agents. Commonly encountered clinical species are discussed using case studies that include clinical history, signs and symptoms, and laboratory test results of diseases produced by the etiologic agents.

A problem-based approach to the principles of laboratory management with focus on managerial concepts that provide opportunities to apply theoretical management models to real-life situations in the clinical laboratory.

MLS 6141. Advanced Immunology and Serology. 3 Credits.

Principles of the immune system and the clinical applications of immunology related to the diagnosis of human diseases. Components of the immune system and the functions of each. The various immune-related diseases and how immunologic assays are used in the clinical setting to diagnose and monitor various disease states.

MLS 6145. Advanced Clinical Biochemistry I. 3 Credits.

Methodologies employed in the chemical analysis of human blood and body fluids and the associated pathophysiology of each analyte measured; measurement of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and clinically significant enzymes. Proctor fee. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program. Prerequisites: CHEM 1111 and CHEM 1112.

MLS 6146. Advanced Clinical Biochemistry II. 3 Credits.

Methodologies used in the chemical analysis of human blood and body fluids and the associated pathophysiology of each analyte measured; measurement of hormones, urinalysis and body fluids, biomarkers, and toxins. Proctor fee. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program. Prerequisites: CHEM 1111, CHEM 1112 and MLS 6145.

MLS 6150. Advanced Immunohematology. 3 Credits.

Blood group systems that impact the practice of transfusion medicine; processing and distribution of blood products supplied by blood donor centers and transfusion services. Proctor fee. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program. Prerequisites: BISC 1111 and BISC 1115.

MLS 6151. Advanced Molecular Diagnostics. 3 Credits.

An overview of molecular biology and genetic concepts as well as the molecular techniques used to diagnose human diseases. The technology, theory, and methodology of molecular protocols utilized within a clinical and research laboratory setting.

MLS 6158. Advanced Laboratory Management and Operations. 3 Credits.

An introduction to critical concepts of lab management, including leadership theory, management principles, human resource management, financial management, quality management, and laboratory operations. Prerequisites: HSCI 2100 and HSCI 2117; for HSCI 2100 an equivalent English course and for HSCI 2117 an equivalent college-level math course may be substituted at the instructor's discretion.

MLS 6166. Molecular Diagnostics Practicum. 3 Credits.

During this practicum course, the student is actively engaged in applying molecular techniques to diagnose various human diseases.

MLS 6201. Advanced Clinical Biochemistry. 3 Credits.

The structure and function of biological molecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, vitamins, hormones, and buffers as well as their anabolism, catabolism, and regulatory mechanisms. The role of these molecules with regard to human health and the manifestation of disease.

MLS 6203. Clinical Immunohematology I. 5 Credits.

MLS 6204. Clinical Immunohematology II. 5 Credits.

MLS 6207. Clinical Practicum: Blood Banking I. 5 Credits.

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MLS 6208. Clinical Practicum: Blood Banking II. 5 Credits.

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MLS 6209. Clinicl Pract:Blood BankingIII. 5 Credits.

MLS 6210. Clinicl Immun:Prin & Lab Diag. 4 Credits.

MLS 6211. Hematopoiesis &Blood Pathophys. 2 Credits.

MLS 6212. Organization and Management of Blood Banks. 3 Credits.

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MLS 6213. Seminar in Immunohematology. 2 Credits.

MLS 6214. Specialized Practicum. 4 Credits.

MLS 6215. Research Project. 3 Credits.

MLS 6216. Microbial Pathogenesis. 3 Credits.

A comprehensive overview of the molecular basis of diseases caused by microbial pathogens with a focus on model microbial systems to illustrate mechanisms of the human infectious disease process.

MLS 6217. Medical Biotechnology. 2 Credits.

A comprehensive overview of current molecular technologies and how they are used in modern medicine.

MLS 6218. Genetics. 3 Credits.

This course covers hereditary and molecular genetics, with an emphasis on genomics and human diseases.

MLS 6219. Molecular Biology. 3 Credits.

This course emphasizes the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication, repair, transcription, translation and gene regulation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

MLS 6242. Molecular Pathology. 3 Credits.

This course investigates human disease processes with an emphasis on the molecular and genetic mechanisms of disease. The goal of this class is to advance students’ understanding of how molecular, cellular and genetic approaches are used to investigate human diseases. Current knowledge of the molecular and cellular events which lead to various human diseases is covered, including cardiovascular, neurological and musculoskeletal abnormalities, autoimmunity, endocrine defects, infectious disease and cancer. Through lectures, assigned readings and discussions, current applications and limitations of modern diagnostic medicine and the importance of basic and applied research to further the understanding of human disease are addressed.

MLS 6243. Education and Assessment in MLS. 3 Credits.

This course studies the process of instructional design and applied to the education and training of MLS professionals. Topics include a fundamental review of instructional strategies, needs assessment, task analysis, analysis of subject-matter content, the development of goals and objectives, lesson design, and the assessment of instructional outcomes. This is a project-oriented course in which students design, develop, and evaluate a set of MLS instructional materials and assessment tools. In addition, current trends in instructional design as applied to the MLS field are also explored.

MLS 6244. Research Ethics and Integrity. 3 Credits.

This course addresses traditional and modern topics in research ethics and scientific integrity. The purpose of this course is to emphasize ethical theory and principles of bioethics while planning and conduction scientific studies. Through lectures, reading assignments, case studies and discussion sessions, the following topics are covered: ethical theory and principles, scientific and academic integrity, informed consent in research; Intuitional Review Boards and the use of human subjects in research. IACUC and the use of animals in research, Institutional Biosafety Committees and the use of recombinant DNA in research; conflicts of interest and commitment; authorship and publication; the peer-review process; collaboration and mentoring; methodology, data reporting and data management; ownership of data and intellectual property; whistleblowing and dispute resolution; and privacy and confidentiality. Students learn to conduct unbiased peer-review, conduct research and report on an independent examination of a case of research misconduct or other ethical issue, and participate in oral scientific and ethical discussions.

MLS 6245. Current Topics in Medical Laboratory Science. 3 Credits.

Novel findings within each area of the medical laboratory science field, including hematology and hemostasis, immunology and serology, clinical microbiology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, and laboratory operations and management. The course is designed to enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills. Current topics are integrated into the development of a project proposal for the capstone research project that the student completes the following semester.

MLS 6246. Capstone Project. 3 Credits.

This course allows students to apply the knowledge gained throughout the program through the completion of an independent, mentored project. A proposal for the capstone project is developed by the student as a component of the Current Topics course of the previous semester.

MLS 6247. Advanced Clinical Biochemistry Praticum. 2 Credits.

Practical application of the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in MLS 6145 and MLS 6146. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program. Prerequisites: MLS 6145 and MLS 6146.

MLS 6248. Advanced Blood Bank Practicum. 2 Credits.

Application of the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in the prerequisite courses. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program. Prerequisites: MLS 6141 and MLS 6150.

MLS 6249. Advanced Coagulation Practicum. 1 Credit.

Practical application of the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in MLS 6130 and MLS 6131. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program. Prerequisites: MLS 6130, MLS 6131 and MLS 6141.

MLS 6250. Advanced Hematology Practicum. 1 Credit.

Practical application of the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in the prerequisite courses. Restricted to students in the medical laboratory science program. Prerequisites: MLS 6130 and MLS 6131.